Selfridges has achieved an impressive feat by becoming the first major UK retailer to remove palm oil from its own-brand products, reaching the milestone nine months ahead of its set target. As part of the company's pledge to be become eco-friendly, 280 products in the store’s Selfridges Selection range are now free of the oil.
“Selfridges was the first major department store to ban fur and most recently the first major department store to announce a ban on exotic skins," Selfridge's group sustainability director Daniella Vega told Vogue exclusively. "Removing palm oil from our own label food products is the next important milestone in our journey towards making at least 50 per cent of our products better for people and the planet by 2022. Until certification guarantees zero deforestation, we’re proud to offer our customers a choice by going palm oil free."
The edible substance – which is derived from oil palm trees – is currently found in 50 per cent of supermarket products. It has been attributed as the biggest driver of deforestation in Malaysia and Indonesia, posing a threat to the orangutan population.
"Palm oil is contributing to huge deforestation of irreplaceable rainforests, the brand shared on Istagram. "We’re already fur-free, and on our way to becoming exotic skin free.”
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